Military Advisor and Princess - Chapter 23
“It’s precisely because General Zhao is the most impulsive one, and he has a past grudge against Tuoba Lu.” Ao Jun smiled knowingly, and continued, “That’s why Tuoba Lu didn’t suspect anything when General Zhao led his troops in pursuit, since our army already knew it was a trap. Knowing it’s a trap and still entering it is either a last resort or a sign of someone who has lost their rationality.” Seeing everyone’s 'I see' expressions, Ao Jun added, “Similarly, because of the grudge between the two, and because Tuoba Lu, although a brave general, is arrogant, warlike, and impulsive, he certainly wouldn’t let General Zhao and his five thousand soldiers return to camp unharmed under his nose. So when he learned that General Zhao hadn’t fallen into the trap and had suddenly led his troops away just before entering the canyon, he would lose his mind and rush to pursue recklessly, causing chaos among the soldiers who were supposed to be lying in ambush.”
"Therefore, the second strategist's advice to me was 'retreat to the left'," Zhao Zhiyang said with a sudden realization. Then he frowned and asked in confusion, "Why retreat to the left? I remember there seems to be a more dangerous place on the right."
The Strategist and the Princess: Battlefield Chapter 23 - The Number One Strategist in the World
"Therefore, the second strategist's advice to me was 'retreat to the left'," Zhao Zhiyang said with a sudden realization. Then he frowned and asked in confusion, "Why retreat to the left? I remember there seems to be a more dangerous place on the right."
“That’s right, there’s an even more treacherous place on the right, but precisely because it’s so treacherous, it’s easily spotted by Tuoba Lu, who is familiar with the terrain. Moreover, while that place is treacherous, it can’t contain the Cangliao cavalry, while the natural gaps on the left will make the Cangliao’s valiant cavalry a major burden, while our infantry will have the best opportunity to operate, making it suitable for our ambushes,” Ao Jun continued. Ao Jun, who usually disliked speaking much, was unusually patient in answering everyone’s questions today, which puzzled her a little. Perhaps it was because these people were so straightforward that she couldn’t help but feel a sense of goodwill towards them?
"So the strategist's third secret pouch is inscribed with '伏' (Fu, meaning ambush)," Zhao Zhiyang added.
Ao Jun nodded and said to Wei Ziqi, "General Wei's ambush at Wuyunpo is the most important. If we launch a surprise attack when those 40,000 infantrymen are in disarray, the situation will be reversed once they arrive to provide support."
Wei Ziqi, noticing the gazes of the crowd, smiled gently and said, "This humble general was also ordered by the strategist to lead 5,000 men to ambush at Wuyunpo when the troops were dispatched from Zhiyang. As the strategist predicted, it was exactly as he expected. About three hours later, we saw Tuoba Lu leading 10,000 cavalrymen galloping past Wuyunpo. Following the strategist's orders, I let Tuoba Lu pass. Not long after, we saw the remaining 40,000 infantrymen of Cangliao chasing after Tuoba Lu in a chaotic manner. Although our army only had 5,000 men, we successfully annihilated more than 10,000 enemies in the surprise attack, and the remaining 20,000 surrendered."
"The strategist's move was absolutely brilliant, and the timing was perfect. Such foresight is truly unparalleled throughout history!" Jin Xuan praised without reservation after hearing the report. He was even more deeply shocked by the series of 'surprises' that Ao Jun had brought him.
"Your Highness flatters me," Ao Jun said calmly. In truth, she had merely used the strategy from the terrain chapter of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," at most combining it with practical application and incorporating 21st-century psychology.
"Strategist, you are too modest. Your Highness is right. This battle, where the few defeated the many, was truly magnificent. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Strategist Mo the greatest strategist in the world!" General Zhao continued Jin Xuan's words, his eyes conveying undisguised admiration.
“That’s right, the number one strategist in the world, the number one strategist in the world…” Zhao Zhiyang suddenly stood up and shouted to the entire battalion.
This shout immediately drew a response from all the soldiers in the camp: "The greatest strategist in the world! The greatest strategist in the world!" Except for Jinxuan, Aojun, and Yueying, everyone stood up, raised their swords or spears, and shouted: "The greatest strategist in the world!"
Thus, the greatest strategist in the world—Young Master Mo—was born…
In any battle, there are victors and vanquished vanities. The victors throw lavish celebrations, but what about the vanquished? Will they be shrouded in gloom and despair, or will they be consumed by rage?
Inside the Cangliao commander's tent, there was no gloom or fury as one might expect. Yelü Ying sat casually in the main seat, a wicked smile still on his face, even his red eyes flashing with an eerie amusement as he stared directly at the black-clad man kneeling before him.
For a long, long time, so long that the man in black thought his master would make him kneel there for the rest of his life, Yelü Ying then repeated in his uniquely charming voice, "The number one strategist in the world, ha, the number one strategist in the world..." The look in his eyes, as if he had seen his prey, deepened.
"Ming, you go back first. I, the Crown Prince, have my own plans for this matter," Yelü Ying said, maintaining his original posture and waving his hand.
"Yes." The black figure immediately disappeared into the tent.
"It seems this Mo Jun is quite capable." The sarcastic tone, however, was not entirely true.
“It’s impressive, that’s what makes it interesting, isn’t it, Chi?” Yelü Ying still looked at the person sitting in front of him with a wicked smile, the one wearing an iron mask.
"Haha... That's interesting! But the Crown Prince isn't worried. The loss of 50,000 men today is probably just the beginning." Despite saying this, the man in the iron mask gave a confident, arrogant smile, as if Ouyang Jinxuan and Mo Jun were just clowns in his eyes, for him to enjoy, and he would be the one laughing last.
"Fifty thousand men? Those are the warriors of my Cangliao! And Tuoba Lu, a fierce general under my command, was so easily wiped out by Mo Jun with only ten thousand men. Heh... I have never encountered such a thing since I started my campaigns. Or rather, I have never heard of such a thing. I never thought I would have the honor of encountering it today. Good, good Mo Jun, good number one strategist in the world..." Yelü Ying's wicked smile finally softened a little, and a trace of grief flashed quickly in his eyes.
Although he was ruthless and cold-blooded, he was still genuinely kind to his subordinates who followed him and risked their lives for him. He even considered them closer than his own brothers, otherwise they wouldn't have supported him so much. In their eyes, he was a god. He was truly heartbroken by this battle.
"Your Highness is heartbroken, huh... So how do you plan to avenge this?" The masked man remained indifferent, but he had still caught the fleeting sorrow in Yelü Ying's eyes. Heh... Things are getting more and more interesting. Yelü Ying, you're not ruthless enough!
Immersed in the battle that Mo Jun was strategizing, Yelü Ying did not notice the amusement in the Iron Mask's eyes. Upon hearing the Iron Mask's words, Yelü Ying instantly returned to his languid demeanor, looking at the Iron Mask with a wicked smile and saying, "Hehe... The two countries have been at war for so long, but we have never really fought against Ouyang Jinxuan. Now is the time. Chi, what do you think?"
The stern-faced man shrugged and said, "I don't care! The Crown Prince can make his move whenever he wants. But, does the Crown Prince want to quit so soon?"
"It seems the Holy Sect Master is quite confident in himself! But don't forget, Ouyang Jinxuan is already difficult enough to deal with, and now there's the 'Number One Military Advisor Under Heaven.' Deciding the outcome in one battle won't be so easy anymore," Yelü Ying said, raising an eyebrow. To be honest, he really disliked Chi's overly confident demeanor. After this battle, he still underestimated Mo Jun. Mo Jun was not as simple as he imagined.
Defeating Ouyang Jinxuan was his childhood dream, so he sought out Chi, believing that with their combined abilities, Ouyang Jinxuan would surely be his defeated foe. However, to his surprise, Ouyang Jinxuan proved far more formidable than he had imagined, leading to his crushing defeat in the battle of Luoyun City. Fueled by both old and new grudges, he thought that with Chi's return and their combined strength, they could easily defeat Ouyang Jinxuan in one fell swoop. But then Mo Jun appeared out of nowhere—the unfathomable, supposedly "Number One Strategist in the World," whose true nature remains a mystery.
"I, the sect leader, have always been very confident in myself. The dignified 'Devouring Flame Evil Lord' is not even afraid of the 'God of War,' so how could I be afraid of that little Mo Jun?" The Iron-Faced Man arrogantly glanced at Yelü Ying.
"Afraid? Heh... Chi, it seems you don't understand me enough. No one has ever dared to speak to me like this, not even you and I, my allies." Yelü Ying leaned forward slightly, his red eyes half-closed, a wicked smile on his face, his voice soft and alluring. Even the arrogant Iron Mask trembled slightly under the pressure of Yelü Ying's kingly aura. Seeing the satisfactory result, Yelü Ying sat back down and continued in a languid tone, "There's nothing in the world that I can fear, except for Ouyang Jinxuan. I don't believe anyone can be my match, including the 'Number One Military Strategist Under Heaven'." Although he couldn't fathom Mo Jun's bottom line, he didn't believe her wisdom surpassed his and Ouyang Jinxuan's. She only said that because she was becoming increasingly interested in her 'prey'.
"Haha... 'Devouring Flame Evil Lord' truly lives up to his name. It seems I was wrong. I didn't mean to be disrespectful to the Crown Prince; I just felt he was being a bit overly cautious." The Iron-Faced Man laughed heartily, showing no sign of admitting fault, but his tone was noticeably less arrogant than before. Inwardly, however, he was seething with hatred. If the time wasn't too ripe, would he need to be here watching Yelü Ying's expression? It was all those two damned old men's fault; otherwise, not only Yelü Ying and Ouyang Jinxuan, but no one in the entire world would dare to disobey him. He would already rule the whole world.
"Overthinking? Heh... I hope so! This Crown Prince never fights a battle he's not confident of winning, and this one is especially crucial. As for Mo Jun, hmph, in the end, who will be the master of the 'Number One Military Advisor in the World' is still uncertain." Mo Jun was a rare prey that piqued his interest, and he wouldn't let her go easily. Moreover, Ouyang Jinxuan now truly trusted her, and he wouldn't let go of someone whom Ouyang Jinxuan admired so much. This was a covert battle between him and Ouyang Jinxuan, and the spoils were this 'Number One Military Advisor in the World'—who told her to catch Ouyang Jinxuan's 'eye'?
"The Crown Prince intends to..." The masked man deliberately dragged out his words, pausing to continue, because they both knew the truth.
“That’s right. Chi, are you ready? This is the first war we’ve fought together since we formed an alliance.” Yelü Ying said with a meaningful smile.
"Haha... I have been looking forward to this for a long time, and I am ready to go into battle at any time. No matter how brilliant Ouyang Jinxuan and Mo Jun's military strategies and tactics are, they will ultimately be no match for me... Haha..." The Iron-Masked Man laughed arrogantly, his face hidden behind the mask looking so cruel and bloodthirsty, as if he was standing on the top of victory, looking down at the people he had trampled under his feet.
"Fine, Ouyang Jinxuan, this time I, the Crown Prince, will collect what you owe me, with interest!" Yelü Ying slammed his palm on the desk in front of him, as if it were Ouyang Jinxuan himself. The fine sandalwood desk couldn't withstand his 'light touch' and immediately shattered into pieces.
"I wish the Crown Prince would soon remove Ouyang Jinxuan from his sights. Then, when Lord Mo witnesses the Crown Prince's wisdom and brilliance, he will surely understand who the 'wise ruler' he should assist is," the Iron-Faced Man said insincerely. Yelü Ying's martial arts seem to have improved considerably. Coupled with his unpredictable 'Fire Cloud Sword Technique,' his martial arts are no less than his own, making him an extremely dangerous figure. It seems he must be even more cautious.
"Haha... Chi, once I get what I want, I will naturally not forget what I promised you. To defeat Ouyang Jinxuan, we can't do without you!" Although Yelü Ying laughed heartily, seemingly very pleased, who could tell whether he was truly happy or... sad inside?
“Alright, let’s prepare a big gift for Ouyang Jinxuan. As the saying goes, it’s only right to reciprocate, and his return gift will be…” The Iron-Faced Man paused again.
Yelü Ying chuckled evilly and continued, "It's Long Xuan's 100,000-strong army, everything that Ouyang Jinxuan owns, and even the entire Long Xuan Dynasty... Haha."
"Ha ha……"
A maniacal laugh, heavy with conspiracy, lingered over the Cangliao military camp. But could their self-proclaimed victory truly come to pass? The 'gift' they gave Jinxuan last time granted him the title of the world's greatest strategist. And what about this 'gift'?
The Strategist and the Princess: Battlefield Chapter Twenty-Four - Heart-to-Heart Talk Under the Moon
The night was cool and still, especially in this frigid border region of Cangliao. Yet, the person who should be most afraid of the cold was sitting on the hillside, looking up at the sky and gazing blankly at the bright moon.
The moonlight bathed her, adding a layer of mysterious beauty to her already stunning face, making her appear so ethereal, as if she were about to disappear. This realization made Jin Xuan, who was watching from a distance, feel a sudden tightness in his chest, and his feet moved uncontrollably toward her.
Ah, under the moonlight, Ao Jun suddenly sighed. This was truly a once-in-a-century occurrence! Ling Ao Jun, who always acted as if it were none of her business and no one else's concern, or as Xue would say, heartless, was actually sighing to the moon. If Xue knew, she would definitely look at her like she was an alien and ask, "Are you running a fever?" Just thinking about it made Ao Jun chuckle.
"I raise my head to gaze at the bright moon, then lower it to think of my hometown." Under the clear moonlit sky, Ao Jun's slightly melancholy murmur drifted out. A cool breeze blew by, causing her to unconsciously tighten her arms.
A cloak was draped over her the moment Ao Jun tightened her arms. Feeling the warmth on her body, Ao Jun didn't turn around, but just smiled and said, "Ying'er, why aren't you asleep yet? It's so late." Ao Jun paused for a moment while holding the cloak, but didn't pay any attention.
There was no response for a long while. When did Yueying become so quiet? Aojun turned her head in confusion, but unexpectedly met a pair of deep, dark eyes. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes, but Aojun quickly calmed down, turned her head back, looked at the moon in the sky, and said calmly, "Your Highness, is that you?"